Giving Rides Relaunch

May 12, 2026

With warmer weather coming to Columbia, Local Motion is excited to launch a new Giving Rides bike, thanks to a sponsorship from Brightspeed, the nation’s third-largest fiber builder empowering more homes and businesses with reliable, ultra-fast internet service.

The Giving Rides program started in 2017 when Local Motion purchased an electric-assist wheelchair bicycle to help older adults and people with disabilities enjoy Columbia’s trail system. The original bike has a standard bike seat, pedals, and a rear wheel in back, while the front half looks like a wheelchair. A trained rider piloted the bike while a passenger sat up front. Since the program’s inception, dozens of participants have enjoyed recreational bike rides that would not have been possible without the adaptive bike.

Thanks to Brightspeed’s support, Local Motion has upgraded the program’s original wheelchair bike to an all-new Gnargo Trishaw in May 2026. The new bicycle features a spacious front platform that can seat two passengers on a bench or accommodate a wheelchair. The new Giving Rides bike will come with a high-end electric motor and dual batteries for longer trips. The new Giving Rides trishaw is built in Bentonville, Arkansas, home of Gnargo Bike Co., which delivered the new bike on May 1. Local Motion and Brightspeed will officially re-launch the program in June.

“At Brightspeed, we are committed to uplifting the communities we serve and improving the lives of its residents,” said Brian Littleton, local marketing manager for Brightspeed. “Through our support of Local Motion and the Giving Rides program, we're empowering people to embrace the outdoors, experience the freedom of cycling, and fully participate in the joy of movement. Together, we're building stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone can ride toward a brighter future."

“Giving Rides is one of the most rewarding programs that Local Motion offers. Nothing beats giving people the opportunity to be free and in the outdoors again. I can’t wait to help make this wonderful experience come to life for more individuals in the future on the new Gnargo Trishaw.” – Mike Burden, Local Motion CEO.

Anyone interested in scheduling a Giving Ride for themselves or someone else can find program details at https://lomocomo.org/giving-rides or call the Local Motion office (573-999-9894). Adults 18+ who would like to volunteer as Giving Rides pilots can complete the volunteer interest form on the Local Motion website: https://lomocomo.org/giving-rides.

About Brightspeed

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and with assets and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 7.3 million homes and businesses. Our nearly 4,000 employees are committed to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it should be. For more information, please visit www.brightspeed.com.

About Local Motion

Founded in Columbia, Missouri, in 2000 Local Motion provides walking, biking, and transit solutions to meet people’s everyday transportation needs. Local Motion and its supporters envision towns built for people, where it’s easy to walk, bike, and ride transit, and everyone can get where they want to go. Local Motion pursues its mission through outreach, education, and advocacy, and has won significant gains for walking and biking infrastructure in Columbia and other Missouri communities.